WW & Camping

[melsullivan]

I have noticed a lot of people on these boards asking about this, and as an avid camper myself, I would like to see what has worked for others as well. Pre-WW, DH and I would go camping once or twice a year, for 1-2 nights each time. (So no huge, long trips). We would hike, cycle, swim, fish, and canoe enough to gain what I now know as APs, probably about 6-10APs per day. The cooler/grocery bags used to be filled with the following, for consumption when we were hungry:
-boxed apple and orange juices, V8 juice (for me)
-bottled water
-hot dogs & buns
-potato salad
-cans of "beans & pork" or "beans in tomato sauce"
-cans of Chef Boyardee ravioli or beefaroni
-fresh fruits (apples, plums, peaches, grapes)
-bread & jam for breakfasts
-coffee & cream, also for breakfasts

I realize that some of these aren't a problem, but the main things that made up our "real" meals - the hot dogs, and chef boyardee.... well I'm looking for point-friendly alternatives smile.gif

Any seasoned WW campers out there with advice for me and those others who have asked about WW & Camping on other boards?

TIA!!

[itsjustme]

I'm not a camper, but you can replace your regular hot dogs and buns for a liter/FF variety. I just tried the Ball Park FF turkey dogs and I gotta' tell you - they aren't much different from the fatter version. They were kind of expensive, but at 1 point each - they were worth it to this hot dog lover! Pair that with bread or a FF bun and you can have your dogs for 2 points each!

You can also cook corn on the cob on the grill. I'm sure there are other ways to do it, but we always husked it and soaked it in cold water for a bit and then rubbed on butter (you can use margarine or even the spray stuff) then wrap it in foil and keep in the cooler until you are ready to throw it on the grill.

Chicken and veggie packets are also good. Toss the stuff in foil packets, spray with ICBINB and close.

There is a similar thread on either the Daily or 50+ - can't remember which LOL

Have a good camping season!!!!

[calgal]

I agree with replacing the "fully loaded" hot dogs with a lighter variety. I got Hebrew National 97% ff hot dogs this weekend, and could not taste the difference from the "regular" ones at all. Only 1 point apiece. (They also sell a reduced fat one that's around 3 points apiece, but I'd rather spend only 1.) Wonder makes light hot dog buns - also 1 point apiece. Again, couldn't taste the difference. 2 dogs and 2 ears of corn and I was STUFFED! smile.gif

As for the chef boy-ar-dee, maybe take a can of lowfat or vegetarian baked beans and eat that while others are eating the pasta?

Enjoy camping!

[melsullivan]

Corn on the cob is a brilliant idea! I would never even have thought of that. MIL has a fantastic recipe as well for that which involves marinating the corn overnight and such. I will have to get it from her and post it here. The good thing is, camping will be just DH and myself, and since we are both on WW, having point-unfriendly food around to tempt us will hopefully not be such a problem. My only problem is that I tend to get a bit jealous, as he has 30 odd points to spend in a day and I get 18 :rolleyes: But in practice it is not so bad. Just seems that way, LOL.

Keep the suggestions coming though! I am making a list smile.gif Definitely will be preparing chicken/veggie packs beforehand to bbq while we are there.

Cheers!

[imported_Kelly_S]

Camp Food Thread (http://pub121.ezboard.com/fdottisweightlosszonewwsgeneral.showMessage?topicI D=3887.topic)

[CathyP]

I camp with the boy scouts all the time. I usually carry my own food. Things that I've found handy to take along:

Cans of Soup - Campbell's Select. Some of the varieties, you can eat the whole can for only 4 points. They have a pop top lid, so no need for can opener.

Pre-baked muffins and yogurt for breakfast.

Pancakes with applesauce.

Foil meals with chicken, potatoes and loads of veggies.

Lean ham with lite buns for sandwiches.

Eggbeaters and potatoes. Lots of canned and fresh fruits. Fat free puddings.

Goodness, there are so many things you could do if you have a campstove. This past weekend, the scouts made tacos for their dinner one night. I cooked up a zucchnini to eat with mine. It sounds like most of the stuff that you take along already is on the right track. Besides, I've learned that you need a few more calories out camping (especially if it's cold or if you're really active) than at home.

Have fun!

[amyinnj]

I'm glad this was brought up. I'm leaving friday night for my first camping trip while on WW, so I have a LOT of planning to do. We just bought a bike rack for the truck and plan to bike as many places as possible instead of driving, and the place we go has lots of nice trails.
I plan to treat myself to one big breakfast. I just LOVE the smell of bacon in the outdoors. Then I'll stick to my usual cereal and fruit.
The foil packs are a great idea for camping. I'll be sure to try them out this time.

[lrussel5]

Oscar myeres has low fat hot dogs that are only 1pt. for each hot dog and the dont taste bad. plus wonder bread had a wheat bread that is ff and for two slices its 1pts. As for the can food by chef boyodee I havent found anything low in pts.
You could always bring some chicken to cook over the fire wraped in foil with some veggies. For a chicken breat its 4pts. then what ever the veggies are.
Hope this helps a little :D

Lisa

[amyinnj]

I picked up a few Star Kist Lunch to Go packs at Kmart today. They have the tuna, Light mayo, relish and crackers all in one package for 5 points. Oh, and they were on sale for $1 each. I don't normally buy "convenience packs" but for camping, they're great.

[girlinmotion]

I go canoeing sometimes and last year our three day trip was while I was on losing points. We are all vegetarian, so I can't help with meat suggestions (besides for canoeing there is no fridge so meat isn't really an option anyway). Here's what we ate...The focus was on dehydrated, light weight foods as well as healthy choices:
-burritos: made with fat free refried beans (the just add water type), chopped peppers, salsa and tortillas. Low pt, no plates! Woohoo!
-oatmeal w raisins, just boil water
-veggie burgers (there is a kind you make by adding boiling water to a dry soy mix) on buns with ketchup mustard and whatever veggies were still good
-light jiffy pop popcorn on the fire
-spaghetti with tomato sauce and TVP
-trail mix, energy bars, dried fruit, crackers, gingersnaps
-tea and instant coffee
-whole grain pancakes w light syrup, apple sauce, or jam
-peanut butter +banana sandwhiches
-instant pudding made w water and milk powder
-stew made with lentils, rice, water, and a pack of dehydrated vegetable soup mix

[melsullivan]

BUMPing up for the T-20's board!

[sunnyinslc]

I like to take turkey or some other lite keilbasa. What goes great with it is pre-cooked potatoes. They're typically in the produce section or by the eggs, and have no added fat, just spices. Throw them in a pan and heat them up, then add the keilbasa (can you tell I'm into one-skillet cooking when camping?). They work great for breakfast, too, and are very hearty for when you've earned lots of AP's hiking, etc. Have fun!

Sue

[girlinmotion]

bump

[TooFluffy]

Wow, there are some really, really good ideas given on this thread....

But if you want the ChefBoyArDee stuff - eat it! Just measure out a small amount and fill up on veggies and other low point foods.

I often eat family favorites that I would have been afraid to eat in past weight loss attempts. The glory of WW is being able to eat like everyone else.... just not as much! smile.gif

[nancyny]

I do corn on the grill, and I don't do anything to it. I trim off the silk and stray leaves, but leave the husk intact (I don't even open the top "to check"). If there's time, I soak it for 1/2 hour or so in water. Cook 24 min. on grill, turning 1/4 turn every 6 min. Remove husks, let everyone add what they want (I haven't put butter on corn in over 15 years - just a touch of salt). My grill is closed; on an open grill I think it takes longer.

I did the foil method last night too; dh husked the corn without asking first. I added 1/2 c. water to the foil packet (3 ears, again no butter or seasonings) and cooked it 12 min. per side. It also came out fine.

[girlinmotion]

I'm off on another canoe trip this weekend. Remember me? I'm the one that wants camping food ideas that are lightweight, healthy AND low point. We have to carry a canoe and a backpack so a cooler is not an option. A tall order I know. Here are some of my ideas. Anyone else?

-Pasta and rice mixes, especially ones with beans in for protein. Just add water risotto and pasta mixes are tasty and if they already have beans in them then they are a complete meal. Adding any veggies you can carry fresh/canned would bulk it up. Or you could add a can of tuna for protein if you aren't veggie like me!

-Falafels: these are spicy little middle eastern chickpea patties that you fry in a saucepan and eat with pita and veggies and a yogourt sauce. They are point-friendly if fried in less oil/non-stick spray. And the bonus is the mix is dried powder and you just add water.

-Dried soup mixes are great. Again, I go for the minestrone, lentil etc. for the protein in the beans. Add some rice or potatoe flakes while it is cooking and turn it into a stew!

Anyone else have any good ideas?

[T-BONE]

We camp alot, DH team-ropes so we tote the camper all over.

I just take the same stuff that I normally eat.

A favorite of ours is Hobo Stew.

You use the foil packets, or just heavy duty foil. You put your meat in, steak or chicken. Then add the vegetable of your choice and pour Franco American canned gravy over it (fat free)and just throw it in the fire. You don't have to have a grill. With some bread, or corn it makes a yummy meal, and the points should not be high at all.

I love camping!

Tam

[DaisyBelle]

We tent camp and cook right over the open fire and we have a great time. The great thing about WW is you can eat what ever you choose,
In fact the fun of camping for me and my best friend from High school is to come up with great food. Our husbands get along great and they worry about the beer :rolleyes: Michalobe Ultra for me is usually included in the cooler. We take cases of bottled water and we make ice tea. Always have the coffee for breakfast too.

Usually we begin our campout planning to take pasta salads, potato salads, potatoes, onions green peppers, hot peppers. Fresh salsa, carrots, celery, fruit etc. We usually take to much but then there is usually kids and guests that show up to eat too.

Meat includes lean hamburgers, steak, bratwurst, chicken. We will bake potatoes, and we always have a big pan of chopped potatoes, peppers hot & mild, onions. Sometimes we cook this plain or chop up chicken in it and eat it like that after cooking. We both have a box filled with spices, to always season the food. We usually have ICBN butter in the cooler.
Breakfast is no problem for me, I don't eat eggs so they fix them and I just eat yogurt, a english muffin toasted over the fire, fruit, what ever I would do usually.
Last fall in October we went on a cold weekend and had a chili cookoff. We actually made chili on the fire. It was so good, but brrrrrr, it was like 30 degrees out.
We will be camping Labor Day weekend, should be a good time and then DH wants to do the October campout again. It is so pretty in the morning but it does get cold at night.
Can't wait to see more ideas, as we love to try new things......
Teresa